The University of Havana's Faculty of Psychology Student Federation (FEU) voiced strong opposition this Saturday to the recently unveiled tariff increases by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA). In their statement, they criticized the so-called "tariff hike" as inappropriate, highlighting that it was implemented without prior consultation or notification. They argued that these changes hinder both academic performance and the fulfillment of educational and communication-related tasks.
According to the statement shared on social media, university students typically consume over 6GB monthly and cannot afford additional plans on a monthly stipend of just 200 Cuban pesos, limiting them to the most basic data plan priced at 120 pesos. The statement emphasized the impact of setting a maximum recharge of 360 CUP, which only covers 6GB, on students' lives and academic performance. From accessing up-to-date bibliographic resources to maintaining communication with professors and specialists, students will face significant challenges due to these restrictions.
For students concluding their studies or conducting independent research, internet access is crucial for obtaining current literature and producing quality work with the scientific rigor that distinguishes the University of Havana. Many thesis and research advisors are based abroad for professional reasons, making virtual communication essential for the continuity of these projects. This unprecedented and strong statement reflects a clear opposition to the regime's new imposition.
The statement further explained that social media serves as the primary communication channel between the FEU and students, and the imposed limitations could cause a rift between students and their leaders. The message criticized ETECSA's restrictions as infringing on the fundamental human right to access information and the digitalization process of society.
With most students receiving grades and textbooks virtually, the restriction of internet access is deemed "incoherent." By making this statement, the Psychology students join other faculties demanding a solution. Previously, the Faculty of Communication (FCOM) and the Faculties of Chemistry, Philosophy and History, Mathematics and Computer Science, InSTEC, and the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI) issued a joint declaration highlighting the discontent stemming from the new pricing structure that effectively dollarizes essential mobile data services.
With an average salary around 4,000 CUP, students and professionals are now forced to pay over 3,000 CUP for just 3 additional GB of data — or resort to dollar-based plans that are unaffordable for those not receiving remittances. The students expressed their commitment to continuing efforts to ensure internet access in Cuba is recognized and guaranteed as a universal right, not a privilege for those who can pay in foreign currency or rely on the black market.
Despite acknowledging the students' need for internet access, ETECSA's executive president, Tania Velázquez, claimed there were national means to meet educational "needs" and expressed willingness to discuss with students to "protect their connectivity, coordinating with institutions." On the official Mesa Redonda program, the executive defended national platforms as "free, data-free, and useful for uploading/downloading materials at universities."
Understanding the Impact of ETECSA's Tariff Changes on Cuban Students
Why are the University of Havana's Psychology students opposing ETECSA's new tariffs?
The students are opposing the new tariffs because they believe these changes negatively affect their academic performance and access to essential resources and communications necessary for their studies.
What are the main challenges faced by students due to the new tariff hike?
Students face challenges such as limited access to up-to-date bibliographic resources, difficulties in communicating with professors and specialists abroad, and an overall impact on their ability to complete research and studies effectively.
How are students managing with the increased costs of mobile data?
With an average salary of 4,000 CUP, students and professionals struggle to manage the increased costs, which can exceed 3,000 CUP for just 3 additional GB of data, leading them to seek unaffordable dollar-based plans or alternatives on the black market.